Chinese artist Kang Mingyi has won a gold award at an international exhibition focused on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the event’s official website. His work highlights the global effort to address climate and sustainability challenges through the universal language of art.

Art as a Bridge for Global Sustainability

Art has become a bridge connecting people worldwide through shared values and visions, especially in the context of global climate and sustainability challenges. The United Nations’ “Beauty of Earth” project uses art to unite creators globally, encouraging them to express their love for the planet and reflect on their responsibilities for the future.

The exhibition centers on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and focuses on four key SDGs: Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). Kang’s work aims to inspire active participation in ecological governance and promote sustainable development through art.

International Recognition and Exhibition Venues

The event is organized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Institution. All selected works undergo rigorous review by an international team of experts, showcasing the global community’s deep concern for the planet’s future. Outstanding pieces will be displayed in four major venues: the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United Nations Office in Geneva, and the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

These venues create a cross-continental dialogue platform, allowing creative voices to resonate globally. The organizers hope more people will use art to contribute to a future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

Artist Profile and Achievements

Kang Mingyi is a first-grade national artist, a special artist for the State Council, and serves as vice president of the China National Academy of Ethnic Arts. He is also a council member of the China National Arts and Culture Promotion Association and has received numerous honors for his contributions to art and culture.

In 2015, Kang was awarded “Most Socially Responsible Artist” at the People’s Fine Arts Development Forum held at the Great Hall of the People. In 2017, he received the title of “Positive Energy Patriot Public Welfare Figure” at the Great Hall of the People. In 2018, he was named a national outstanding cultural worker, and in 2019, he was honored as an advanced individual in the spirit of Lei Feng. In 2020, he received a “Special Contribution Award” at the Cross-Strait University Cultural and Creative Exchange Forum. In 2022, he was awarded “International Peace Artist” by the United Nations World Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance, and in 2023, he received the “One Belt, One Road 10th Anniversary Cultural and Artistic Exchange Special Contribution Award” from the China Cultural Promotion Society.

Kang’s works have been collected by institutions including the U.S. and French embassies, the Czech embassy, the Thai royal family, the Cambodian embassy, the Pakistan embassy, Zhongnanhai, the Great Hall of the People, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the National Museum, the National Art Museum of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Confucius Temple, the China Art Museum in the U.S., the National Central Ministry Officials’ Building, the old National Committee of the CPPCC building, the new Badaling Great Wall, the Water Cube, the China Integrity Research Institute, the Hainan Provincial Public Security Department Guard Bureau, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, the Fujian Provincial Public Security Heroes Foundation, military reception rooms, the Hong Kong SAR Art Academy, and government officials, renowned enterprises, collectors, art institutions, and cultural organizations in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Kang’s works have also been displayed at major auction houses such as Poly, Hanhai, Asia Chen, Beijing Hui Zhen International, Hebei Total Auction, Ink and Danqing, Zhongyuan Zhongyi, and others. His oil paintings and calligraphy have consistently achieved impressive results at these auctions.

Kang is a guest professor at institutions including the Oxford Art College, the Canadian Royal Academy of Arts, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and Beijing National University of Arts. He is also a guest professor at Jimei University, Jimei University Chengyi College, Xingcai College in Xiamen, and a mentor for the third studio of the Chinese Art Advanced Research Class.

He has been awarded numerous international and national honors, including “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy between China and France,” “Lifetime Ambassador of Cultural and Artistic Exchange between China and Thailand,” “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy between China and South Korea,” “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy between China and the European Union,” “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy between China and New Zealand,” “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy between China and the United States,” “Cultural and Artistic Ambassador between China and Russia,” “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy between China and Japan,” “Cultural and Artistic Ambassador between China and Africa,” “Cultural and Artistic Figure of China,” “One of the First Batch of Art Talents of the Ministry of Culture,” “Artistic Talent with Virtue and Talent,” “Leader of Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Art,” “Cultural and Artistic Exchange Envoy of China,” and “Outstanding Chinese Artist in the World.